A stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is always magical, immersing guests in elaborately themed worlds and offering unparalleled service. During the holidays, stays become even better with spectacular displays and other festive decor at select resorts.
Holiday festivities augment the numerous benefits guests enjoy any time they stay at a Disney resort hotel, including complimentary airport shuttles and transportation to and from the theme parks and Disney Springs, Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks and early access to FastPass+ planning.
Here is a sampling of holiday happenings and decor coming to select resort hotels this year at Walt Disney World:
• Gingerbread Houses – Intricate, edible and life-size creations will be on display in the lobbies of select hotels. Guests at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will find an 18-foot-tall re-creation of Cinderella Castle made with thousands of gingerbread blocks, rolled fondant and modeling chocolate.
The gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Home to The Bake Shop, it’s the perfect place to pick up holiday treats. The Bake Shop uses a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria to make its gingerbread houses, ornaments, and cookies. Decorating demos will also be available to guests starting Dec. 1.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will feature a miniature holiday village complete with a miniature train. And Disney’s Beach Club Resort is home to a life-size and edible spinning carousel, with horses themed to Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and classic Christmas themes.
• Holiday Decor – Garland, tinsel, wreaths and ornaments will adorn the walls and pillars of resort hotels across Walt Disney World. The festive decor will help every guest get into the spirit of the season. Decor reflects the story of each resort hotel, including festive trees with ornaments inspired by the resort’s theme.
Christmas trees towering up to 70 feet tall become the centerpieces at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Each tree will display large ornaments that pick up on the resort’s theme and will make for a perfect selfie spot.
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations – Count down to 2019 with New Year’s Eve celebrations that only Disney can deliver. Guests can choose between two parties at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration and Disney Countdown to Midnight. Both parties include breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve fireworks, along with food, drink, music and entertainment. There is even a VIP upgrade, The Ink and Paint Club, which guests can add to the Disney Countdown to Midnight party. Inspired by the early days of Disney animation, this exciting VIP lounge experience will offer specialty food items and appearances by the one who started it all – Mickey Mouse. Ticketed guests can visit the lounge throughout the evening, starting with a featured reception prior to the beginning of the party.
